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Our History

Steve and Marilyn King founded Chestermere Therapy Dogs Society (CTDS) in early 2014 in Chestermere, AB. Inspired by similar programs such as Reading with Rover, Steve learned about the positive impact therapy dogs can have on people, including building confidence and providing comfort and connection. CTDS began with just two dog and handler teams visiting the Chestermere Public Library.

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In 2018, the organization officially changed its name to Community Therapy Dogs Society. As CTDS expanded beyond Chestermere, the original name no longer reflected the growing number of communities being served. Changing “Chestermere” to “Community” allowed the name to better represent CTDS’s broader reach, including Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Langdon and Strathmore.

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Sadly, Steve passed away in 2022, but his legacy continues through the work of CTDS and the Steve King Memorial Dog Park in Chestermere, which opened in October 2023.

CTDS History Timeline_edited_edited_edit
Image by Jamie Street

Community Therapy Dogs Society

200, 2710 - 17 Avenue SE

Calgary, AB T2A 0P6​​​

Community Therapy Dogs Society © 2012
CRA Charity No. 81093 3770 RR0001

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Community Therapy Dog Society, located in Southern Alberta, acknowledges and pays tribute to the tradition territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). We also respectfully acknowledge the homelands of the Metis Nation within Alberta.

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